A new year on the books means a slew of resolutions to lose weight. one of the best ways to make that number drop on the scale is by eating healthier. But eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or lack sophistication. The restaurants of Las Vegas want to help you stick to that commitment with lower-calorie options that include gluten-free and dairy-free dining as well as vegetarian and vegan fare. Here’s a look at how to stay on track with less of you in the new year.
Dropping pounds is no easy task, but the Hard Rock Hotel now has gluten-free, low-calorie, vegetarian and vegan options that keep meals on the tasty side of healthy. Often a late night out comes with the urge to binge on high-calorie snacks. The 24-hour Mr. Lucky’s Café keeps the calories light with a Mediterranean kale salad stuffed with grilled chicken breast, roasted red peppers and chickpeas, tossed in a lemon-thyme vinaigrette with a side of pita. If staying away from wheat products is on your agenda, the new gluten-free pasta carbonara fulfills with a lean ham mixed in with green peas, fat-free milk and a poached egg, topped with Parmesan cheese. Those leaning toward a vegan menu can try the tropical parfait that starts with a spiced coconut rice pudding mixed with mango compote, tropical fruit relish and coconut macaroons. Lucky’s chicken caprese is light on the calories.
Mexican fare often means dishes brimming with calories, but Pink Taco goes gluten free with its garden fajitas and low calorie with the Mexican turkey chopped salad. Avocado tacos even give vegans an option.
The new Crush, which just opened at the MGM Grand, offers up an entire menu of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free dishes. Gardein chicken, risotto and roasted cauliflower dishes give vegans options while hamachi, octopus ceviche and 32-ounce braised short ribs gives the lactose-intolerant refuge. The sea scallop Benny, a riff on the Benedict, features a quail egg, chorizo and a chipotle Hollandaise to help out with the gluten-free diet.
Eiffel Tower Restaurant
And who says a steakhouse can’t serve up healthier choices? Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian has a butternut squash ravioli that might convert meat lovers, while Morels at The Palazzo has gluten-free options such as the tenderloin tartare with a quail egg and truffled potato chips. Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime at the Bellagio serves up vegan dishes such as seared tofu with crispy rice and mushroom yuzu or a caramelized cauliflower with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts.
Julian Serrano’s eponymous restaurant at Aria also features vegetarian and vegan tapas that include a roasted red pepper salad and sautéed padrón peppers. There’s even a vegan version of his paella.
Even Eiffel Tower Restaurant takes vegetarian cuisine to new heights with a tasting menu using seasonal vegetables. Look for dishes such as roasted asparagus with charred onions and “faux gras” made with mushrooms, sunchoke purée and spiced confit, as well as a range of healthy salads.
